The worst appears to be over for Penang as some 7,000 flood victims return to their homes after a clean-up initiative that cleared nearly 10,000 tonnes of waste from streets and homes.

State flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said all relief centres in the state had been closed, and that the massive two-day gotong-royong operation over the weekend had yielded great results.

He said over 10,000 volunteers had cleared up 70% of mainland Seberang Perai and 95% of the island.

Between Nov 5 and Nov 12, he added, 9,389 tonnes of waste had been cleared from flood-affected areas in the state.

“We expect to return to normalcy within a week. But what stands before us right now is moving this waste to a temporary site.

“Also, we will have to monitor the health of the victims to detect communicable diseases early,” Chow told reporters at a press conference outside the state assembly Nov 13.

Over half of Penang was submerged in floodwaters following hours of torrential rain that killed seven people in the state. More than 6,000 people were evacuated from their homes over the weekend.

Authorities said the floods were caused by one-and-a-half month’s worth of rain that poured down continuously for 15 hours.

According to data provided by the state government today, mainland Seberang Perai was the worst affected by the floods, with the highest number of flood relief centres and victims.

A total of 79 centres were opened on the mainland with 11,745 evacuees.

On the island, 84 centres were opened with a total of 2,275 evacuees.

The Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) said nearly 1,000 trees had fallen on the mainland, with 365 cases resolved so far.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) meanwhile reported 118 locations with fallen trees, with three critical areas cleared.

Those on the island can seek assistance for cleaning works by calling the MBPP flood hotline at 013-5696939, 04-2637000 or 04-2637637.

On the mainland, the numbers for the MPSP are: 04-5497700/490, 04-5372658 or toll-free 1-800-88-6777. ■